Leadership Team

Director’s Welcome

Welcome and thank you for your interest in ISA. It is our hope that in the time you spend reviewing the website that you not only find the information engaging and compelling but also that you glean a feeling of the vibrant and positive community that makes ISA a unique environment in which learners, adults and students alike, thrive.

As you get to know ISA, you’ll understand that what sets it apart from other schools and makes it such a fabulous environment for learning is the simple yet powerful fact that ISA is a happy place.

Brain-based research in schools is unequivocal on the value of happy schools. A happy school is a place where the culture is constructive, attitudes are positive, and people are smiling at all times. In such schools there is better learning and better behavior. Being happy, smiling and maintaining a positive attitude is a part of the way of life within the ISA Community. Without doubt, the vibrant and positive morale throughout the school is one of its greatest assets. Common sense tells us that it is just better to be around others who are content and satisfied, as they create a wonderful sense of comfort and encouragement. Research tells us that in a school, this is critical to maximize student learning, and allowing students to thrive.

We value open and clear communication so do not hesitate to contact us to answer any questions that you may have. We’d delight in sharing more about our school with you.

Kind regards,

Dr. Bernadette Carmody

ISA Director

Bernadette Carmody

ISA Director

directors_office@isa.nl

Dr. Bernadette Carmody joined the International School of Amsterdam as Director in July 2019. Formerly, she served in similar roles in Guangzhou, China and Riffa, Bahrain. Additionally, Bernadette has worked as an administrator and/or teacher in Dubai, (Shanghai) China, Venezuela, Norway, and Sri Lanka, as well as in her native Australia.

Sarah Grace

Head of Safeguarding and Wellbeing

safeguardingwellbeing_office@isa.nl

Sarah Grace joined ISA in 1998, initially as the Assistant Head of Lower School and serving as the PYP Coordinator for two years. Sarah served as the Head of Lower School from 2007-2017 and then Associate Director for Teaching and Learning from 2017-2023. She obtained her first degree from the Froebel Institute College of the Roehampton Institute with a Bachelor of Education (Hons). Subsequently she has achieved a Masters of Education (Educational Leadership and Management) from the University of Bath.

Starting her teaching career in an inner city school in Peckham, London, she taught grades 2-4, holding a post of responsibility for Library and Resources and serving as a School Governor. Moving overseas for an international experience, Sarah joined the Yokohama International School in Japan. In Yokohama Sarah taught homeroom in the Elementary and Middle School divisions, English, EAL and Learning Support as well as holding middle-level leadership positions of responsibility.

Since arriving at ISA Sarah has been involved with the IB Primary Years Programme as a workshop leader and school visitor. She has been an accreditation lead at ISA, seeing the school through complete accreditation cycles and served as an accreditation team member for NEASC. In recent years Sarah assumed the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead, driving the schools development of policies, protocols and practices in safeguarding and child protection.

Jason Cone

Head of Learning Innovation

jcone@isa.nl

Jason Cone is an experienced leader in educational innovation, known for driving strategic initiatives in international schools. As the former Chief Innovation Officer at Singapore American School (SAS), he has dedicated 30 years to fostering a culture of resilience and forward-thinking. His collaborative approach to change management empowers teams and builds school-wide support for ambitious goals. At SAS, Jason led key planning and partnerships with global educational institutions, ensuring the school remains at the forefront of educational excellence. He is committed to creating future-ready learning environments that have a lasting impact on students and learning.

Lower School Administrative Team:

ls_office@isa.nl

Carolyn Lacey

Acting Head of Lower School

Carolyn Lacey joined ISA in 1997 initially as a homeroom teacher and Grade Level Coordinator. Carolyn was subsequently appointed as PYP and Curriculum Coordinator, a position that she held for three years. Since 2015 Carolyn has served as Assistant Head of Lower School, where she holds responsibility for the evaluation of teaching, leading professional development of staff, implementation of curriculum and the pastoral care of the younger students in Lower school.

Carolyn obtained her first degree from The University of Warwick, UK with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and subsequently gained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from The University of Warwick. Carolyn holds The Certification of International School Leadership (PTC) and Master of Science (Merit) in Educational Leadership from The University of Leicester UK.

Carolyn began her teaching career in England before working in British International and International Schools in Europe and Africa. Carolyn is a highly experienced and deeply committed educator. She is an Early Childhood specialist and has thorough knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and philosophies, including child development.

Vicki Watson

Acting Head of Lower School

Vicki Watson joined ISA as Assistant Head of Lower School in 2019, having returned to ISA after serving as principal at the International School of Siena, Italy, and as a teacher at the International School of Bologna.

Vicki obtained her first degree from The University of Durham, UK with a Bachelor of Arts in Education (Hons) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). She is a PYP workshop leader and holds a Graduate Diploma in Psychology from the Open University, UK. Vicki is currently completing a Masters in International School Leadership with Endicott University International Programmes.

Upper School Administrative Team:

us_office@isa.nl

Ruth Clarke

Head of Upper School

Ruth joined ISA in August 2023 as the Head of Upper School. She was the Secondary Principal in Nanjing International School, China, prior to her arrival in the Netherlands and has also worked in Qatar, Belgium, the UK and Kenya. Ruth gained her Bachelors Degree in History from the University of Birmingham and trained as a teacher at the University of Exeter in the UK. She also has a Masters’ Degree in Education from the University of Bath. Ruth has extensive experience working with the IB both as a teacher in the MYP and DP and as an MYP Coordinator and DP Examiner.

Ruth is a lifelong educator with a passion for learning. She loves to be with students, hearing their voices and supporting them on their learning journeys towards graduation at the end of Grade 12. She is a big believer in balance, and the power of learning outside of the classroom through the extra curricular programme and Service Learning.

Ruth is joined at ISA by her husband, Danny, who teaches IB Diploma Economics, and they have three adult children that live in the UK.

Paul Griffiths

Assistant Head of Upper School

Paul Griffiths, originally from Oxford, UK, joined ISA in August 2003 having begun his teaching in middle England. He obtained his Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree from the University of Southampton, before completing his Post Graduate Certificate of Education from Oxford Brookes University. Subsequently, Paul has achieved a Masters in Education (Educational Leadership and Management) from the University of Bath. Paul has served in a number of roles, and he has been our IB MYP Coordinator here at ISA for the last 4 years. He transitioned to become an Assistant Head of Upper School in August 2020. Paul’s greatest passion’s outside of education include being a father to his two young children, running marathons and playing football.

Amanda Kirkham

Assistant Head of Upper School

Amanda Kirkham joined ISA as the Associate Head of Upper School in August 2023. She joined ISA from Nayland College in Nelson, Aotearoa, New Zealand, where she was a humanities teacher, ‘Within School’ teacher (Stoke Kahui Ako), Associate Dean, and Teacher in Charge of Travel and Tourism. Amanda has experience working in public and special character schools in New Zealand. In addition to this, Amanda has worked in international schools in India. Most recently, she was the Service Learning Coordinator and Humanities Coordinator at the International School of Hyderabad.

Amanda gained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Education at the University of Auckland, she did her teaching qualification through the College of Education at UoA. Amanda has her Master’s degree from the University of Auckland and was supervised by Professor Carol Mutch, the Education Commission for UNESCO (New Zealand). Amanda has just completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital and Collaborative Learning through Mindlab (New Zealand) and is currently on a study sabbatical from her Doctor of Education degree.

Amanda is passionate about restorative practices and Positive Behaviour for learning. Through her research and study, she strongly believes in developing global citizenship education in young people. Amanda was an Education Champion with the Asia New Zealand Foundation and is currently a member of the Te Whakatere au Papori academic group at the University of Auckland Faculty of Education and Social Work.

Leadership Team

Director’s Welcome

Bernadette Carmody

ISA Director

Sarah Grace

Head of Safeguarding and Wellbeing

Jason Cone

Head of Learning Innovation

Lower School Administrative Team:

Carolyn Lacey

Acting Head of Lower School

Vicki Watson

Acting Head of Lower School

Upper School Administrative Team:

Ruth Clarke

Head of Upper School

Paul Griffiths

Assistant Head of Upper School

Amanda Kirkham

Assistant Head of Upper School

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